Greenfield, Ind. Sep. 11. '82
Dear Taylor: I have been deferring answer to you to your
letter till I might find opportunity to do so as deserved;
but illness then consequent complications and absolute de-
mands of business have - and must still prevent me from the
more than pleasant duty. Ah! my man, I can now tell you
the delight your superb poem gives me! It is the very
corn and oil and wine of wholesome and delicious verse.
Oliver Wendell Holmes never did - and couldn't do a better.
Not only my opinion, but I've heard it from a dozen far
more competant judges. - And I'm goin' to strike you back for
it, too! All I have done, and the brilliance of the promises ahead
I want to tell you of, and will soon as permitted. My entire love
and loyalty is yours in all things, and for all time, my friend, and
so, as ever, I am Yours J.W. Riley.
POSTAL CARD
NOTHING BUT THE ADDRESS CAN BE PLACED ON THIS SIDE.
Rev. H. S. Taylor,
Dayton,
Ky.
[postmark] GREENFIELD, IND. SEP. 11, 1882
[postmark[ DAYTON SEP 12